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How the COVID-19 Pandemic Has Changed Countless Americans' Lives
Article by Jennifer Scott
To say that the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world is an understatement. We kept up with the changing regulations, health scares, and travel bans. What about other significant life changes we've experienced as Americans? The pandemic has proved just how resilient the human race is and how equipped we are to evolve with changing conditions. Some of these changes are great blessings, but as for the rest? Let's just say we can't wait to get back to normal.
In this article, West Los Angeles Psychiatry and Psychotherapy explores the aftermath of the pandemic and what changes have occurred - perhaps permanently.
The Ins and Outs of Work
The pandemic has proved once and for all that we really don't need to be face-to-face and together all the time to get work done. For many people, this means endless video conferences and phone calls as they work from home. While working from the comfort of your own home is a silver lining, it does come with unprecedented challenges. If you have been working from home with kids around, you’ve experienced the challenges of juggling work and family. And for others, the automation of work has also meant that roles are easily downsized and replaced with technology. The U.S. currently faces an unemployment rate of 10.2%, which is the highest rate since 1940.
However, with the work-from-home lifestyle becoming a norm, employees have more time to actually live life and enjoy themselves. Whether it is long walks around the city or cooking luxuriously slow dinners, this has been a time to attempt self-care for most of us.
Physical (and Mental) Changes Galore
A survey by PARADE Magazine reported that 62% of participants reported a significantly improved lifestyle change. As life slowed down and we stopped going out as much, people have spent more time outdoors, sticking with an exercise program and implementing healthy dietary changes. We've also had to get creative when gyms closed. That means all manner of Zoom workout classes, indoor walking workouts, and online HIIT sessions. The Peloton bike has seen a massive rise in sales as people are investing more heavily in at-home workout options.
However, all that time spent indoors does brought other difficulties. Maintaining a positive outlook through all the turbulent changes has been challenging for most people. With plummeting mental health, increased anxiety and depression, and an overall sense of gloom. For some people, it’s easy to let these feelings come and go. For others, however, the intensity and longevity of these feelings may be a sign it’s time for therapy.
Some Things Never Change
Even with all the hurdles that have been thrown at us these past years, some things genuinely stand the test of time. Buying a home is one of those essentials that rarely comes to a standstill. This study by the Economist showed that house purchases were actually up by 5% during the pandemic. Researching homes to buy in your state and city will be critical to finding your forever home, as many realtors have paused in-person viewings. Some other things that will never change? Driving, greenhouse gas emissions, and going to the doctor (of course). Despite all the changes, activities like this can't wait even during trying times like these.
These past two years have been history in the making. With challenges and hurdles as well as silver linings and memorable moments, the pandemic has taught us all to value our reality and be thankful for what we have. Whether these changes last forever or were just a fleeting moment, who knows? Only time will tell.
If you've suffered from mental health issues during this time, you're not alone. West Los Angeles Psychiatry and Psychotherapy is here to support you through these unprecedented times. To get help, call us at (424) 348-4558.